Friend's child is a screaming nightmare

[FGM]

My friend's DS has just turned 2. He often screams at the top of his voice for attention. The screaming makes my ears ring and is painful. He does it at random: in the middle of playing, with a group of toddler friends, when he's happy- for no particular reason.

I am worried for my own hearing and for the hearing of my 2 DDs and other children who play alongside him. I'm worried that he could burst another child's ear-drum. The screaming is so loud- it's as if he's trying to make as much noise as possible, and being a very young 2 yo he's not really aware of how it might affect anyone else- except for this mum who tends to give him a cuddle.

My friend, his mum, tends to say "oh no " and stroke his head or cuddle him. I don't think he's getting the message that the screaming is not good.

To reiterate the screaming is not just happy toddler noise: it's painful- everyone has to stop and take a breath and the room echoes after it, it makes my ears ring- badly. It completely stops the flow of play for everyone. My DDs said they don't like it and it makes them feel sad.

I couldn't sleep last night for trying to think of a way to ask my friend to be more firm with him when she says "no".
And I am seriously worried for my own DDs.

What would you do?
(I have to go out in a bit- but would really appreciate some help with this- can return posts later)

[MaMoTTaT]

my DS2 was an ear piercing scream er as well - saying "no", no matter how firm made no difference, thankfully as he learned to talk more he grew out of it on his own.

Screamers are a nightmare to have

[cory]

I would be surprised if he could really burst your dd's eardrum: think of the children who grow up with tantrumming siblings or siblings with special needs who scream for that reason- did you ever hear of one that got a burst eardrum from it?

On the other hand, I can well understand that it is annoying and wish you luck with trying to find a way of breaking this to your friend.

[MaryBS]

My DS screams sometimes, although he is nearly 9, but he does have Asperger's. It doesn't help when kids laugh at him for doing it, so he thinks he is being funny. I tell him that it hurts mummy's ears, and he is starting to get the message that it isn't right. Perhaps if the mother tells him it hurts people and reinforces that message, whilst still giving cuddles (after all, he is very young), then it might help